Turning on the headlights
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The Ford Kuga is the brand’s competitor in one of the busiest segments in the UK, facing up to best-selling rivals like the Nissan Qashqai. The model is now in its third generation and was facelifted in 2023, and while it’s the pre-facelift 2019-on model we’re concentrating on here, much of what you’ll read below applies to later cars too.
One of the Kuga’s biggest strengths is a choice of both hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, both of which are effective at reducing fuel bills, while offering useful, smooth performance. The Kuga has always been popular too, which makes finding a used example pretty easy - read on below to to find out what the Kuga offers.
The Ford Kuga is a solid choice for a used family SUV. It was among the better cars in its class when new, and age hasn’t wearied its talents much - it’s still good to drive, practical, reasonably well built, reasonably trouble-free, and it’s also plentiful which means finding a good example on the used market isn’t too tricky.
Like most modern Fords, the Kuga’s ride and handling is among the better you’ll find in family SUVs like this. A crossover doesn’t need to steer as neatly or feel as precise as this, but you’ll be glad Ford made the effort even if you’re not an enthusiastic driver, as it makes the Kuga intuitive and confidence-inspiring to drive. The hybrids have a decent turn of pace, with electric power giving them an instant kick you don’t get from the diesel or petrol versions.
It’s comfortable both up front and in the rear seats, and the rear bench slides to let you choose between legroom or boot space - though it’s not so bad on either measure anyway. It feels well built, and the driving position is spot-on. Some rivals offer better in-car tech, but later Kugas in particular are an improvement, especially with their infotainment systems.
You aren’t short of alternatives in the Kuga’s market segment. The Nissan Qashqai remains a very strong seller, but the Korean duo of the Hyundai Tuscon and Kia Sportage is strong too, as both are good all-rounders. The Skoda Karoq is hard to ignore too, with handsome looks, a smart interior, and a talented engine lineup.
If you’re prepared to look at older Kugas then the diesel models still make a lot of sense, having enough punch to perform well without having to keep your right foot pressed in the carpet but not using too much fuel either. They’re probably a better option than the 1.5-litre petrol too, which is smooth but a little underpowered for this size of car. The hybrids though get along quite nicely, and the plug-in may have benefits for those who do a lot of urban driving. Spec-wise, Zetec or Titanium will be fine for most buyers - both are well equipped, and ST-Line and Vignale models are more embellishment than worthwhile upgrades.
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Ford has shuffled the Kuga’s trim levels a few times, but the four listed below are a representative sample of the kind you’ll find on the used market. Zetec and Titanium both get decent levels of kit, while the ST-Line is the de facto sporty option and Vignale models are more luxurious. Later models may be appended with the word ‘Edition’ and feature a little more equipment, while Black Package and Graphite Tech models get features like black exterior details and a driver assistance pack respectively.
The Ford Kuga’s dimensions are:
The Ford Kuga’s boot size is:
With petrol and hybrid models in the Kuga range, annual VED (or ‘road tax’) differs only slightly, as since April 2017 VED has been charged at a flat rate. For the hybrids that’s £180 a year for the 2024/2025 tax year, while the petrol model is £10 more expensive. You’re unlikely to happen across a Kuga that cost more than £40,000 new, but if you do - perhaps a Vignale PHEV that was dressed up to the nines - you’re looking at a £600 annual bill from the second to sixth years of registration.
At the bottom of the range, with Zetec trim and a 1.5-litre Ecoboost engine, the Kuga starts in group 10 insurance. This rises as you hop into more powerful, more expensive and better-equipped models, with hybrids starting at group 20 and the PHEV in group 21. A PHEV in Vignale trim is group 22.
£24,250
£18,389
£8,999
£21,445
£27,989
£21,129
£17,621
£20,079
£22,677
£19,706
£20,155
£18,995
£25,024
£11,999
£17,000
£21,695
What is the most popular colour for Ford Kuga ?
What is the most popular gearbox for Ford Kuga ?
What is the most popular fuel type for Ford Kuga ?
What is the most popular engine for Ford Kuga ?
What is the average mileage for Ford Kuga ?
21900
How many Ford Kuga cars are available for sale?
799
